Is Sports Betting Legal In Maine?

Many people are asking is sports betting legal in Maine and we are here to answer that question. Being nestled in one of the uppermost corners of the United States, people sometimes forget about Maine, and that may not be such a bad thing. With its gorgeous coastlines and world-class seafood, one of the state's charms can be just how quiet it can feel. That's not to say there's not a steadfast, hardworking community just full of all kinds of people and cultures, because there is. Maine is a little treasure trove of a fishing state and Stephen King novels, and when all those different people start getting together, you're bound to find at least a few raging sports debates. It comes as no surprise then that a lot of Maine residents have questions about sports betting, and we're here to help.

The first question we usually get has everything to do with the confusion regarding sports betting laws in Maine. Potential bettors obviously want to know if their new hobby would be legal because participating in a legal hobby can not only provide you with good peace of mind but help make you feel better about investing your hard-earned money into enjoying it. Well, there is good news on that front. It is not unlawful to place wagers on sports events in Maine. There has never been a law passed or interpreted that would prevent a Maine resident from placing a bet on any games or matches. Sports betting is expected to become officially legal in Maine by the time 2021 ends. This will give you more opportunities to place your bets on your favorite teams. We will update this page again when that happens. Even before then, sports betting is legal in Maine thanks to online offshore sportsbooks.

Land-Based Sports Betting in Maine:

When talking about the availability of sports bets, land-based sports betting in Maine also is part of that conversation. Unfortunately, land-based options do not exist in Maine just yet. Lawmakers have passed sports betting legislation that will change this, but we have to wait until the next legislative session before the governor can sign the bill. That does put the bettor from Maine in a bit of a bind. If you are looking for land-based sports betting options, a trip to New Hampshire, New Jersey or Rhode Island could do you some good. But traveling all that way could end up being expensive and you could lose more money on the trip than you win. We also do not recommend you find a bookie. Using bookies are actually against the law and you are likely to get in trouble for doing so. For now, keep your sports bets to our list of recommended online offshore sportsbooks and you will be fine.

Legal Online Sports Betting in Maine:

Legal online sports betting in Maine is available right now. The main thing you should be aware of though is that state-licensed online sportsbooks are not available yet. That will change if/when the governor signs ME LD 1352. So, what then are your options? Just like so many crucial problems, the answer can be found on the internet. There are many online sportsbooks open to Maine residents, and rest assured that any we recommend to you here operate legally and have developed good reputations over the years as legitimate businesses.

By being based overseas, these online sportsbooks operate legally within their home countries and are licensed to accept bets from US players, including those from Maine. If you have any reservations about investing your money with a foreign entity, they are understandable but unwarranted. These online sportsbooks have been serving thousands of satisfied Maine residents for almost 20 years, and it's a good guess that they didn't achieve that kind of longevity by cheating their customers.

Bovada Sportsbook - The Place Major News Outlets Go For Their Betting Odds For A Reason

Bovada Sportsbook

For Maine residents looking for a good online sportsbook for both casual and serious bettors, we always recommend starting with the best. The Bovada network of online sportsbooks has long stood a full head and shoulders above their competition as can be verified not only by their millions of loyal customers here in the United States, but by their status as the ultimate resource for all things betting related. Major news outlets like CBS and the USA Today cite Bovada's online sportsbook when information on betting lines is needed over even major land based sportsbooks in Las Vegas. Bovada takes their job seriously, and they do it well.

If you need further proof that not only does Bovada offer the highest quality of online sportsbook around but that they also nurture the best possible relationships with their customers, consider the following. When you start up your account with Bovada and make your first deposit into their sportsbook, Bovada will match it by 50%. With this deal, you'll earn up to $250 in free money to use anywhere in their sportsbook that you please, whether you want to lay money down on an upcoming Soccer match or take part in Bovada's exciting live betting feature, Bovada is so confident that you'll love what they have to offer they will give you free money to do it, resting assured that you'll be back for more. You won't get this kind of service at any land based sports betting facility.

Top Maine Sports Betting Sites

Rank
Online Sportsbooks
Bonuses Offered
Rating
US Players?
Play Now!
#1
50% up to $250
5 Star Rating
US Residents Welcome! Except DE, MD, NJ, NV
All States
EXCEPT: DE, MD, NJ, NV
#2
50% up to $1,000
5 Star Rating
US Residents Welcome!
All States
EXCEPT: NJ, NV, NY
#3
50% up to $1,000
5 Star Rating
US Residents Welcome!
All States
EXCEPT: NJ, NV, NY
#4
100% up to $300
5 Star Rating
US Residents Welcome!
All States
#5
50% up to $1,000
5 Star Rating
US Residents Welcome!
All States
EXCEPT: NJ, NV, NY

What's The Bottom Line? Will I Get In Trouble For Betting On Sports?

You will not get in trouble for betting on sports in Maine. Now that you can rest assured that sports betting in Maine as a hobby is both legal and legit, nothing should stop you from placing bets to your heart's content. Sports betting will remain a legal and safe hobby to participate in before and after lawmakers in the state formally regulates the industry. The only way you will get in trouble for sports betting in Maine is by using a bookie and we highly recommend you don’t do that. And why would you? Using an online offshore sportsbook is way easier and safer, plus you will get bonuses on the website. We highly doubt any bookie you use will not be able to match the odds you find on the offshore sportsbooks as well.